About the Community Development Fund
The Community Development Fund (CDF) gives grants to support not-for-profit community groups in Knox. It helps these groups grow, improve, and continue their work.
Key 2026 dates
| When | Time | What | Where | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 April | 10 am – 12 pm | Knox City Council grant information session | Knox City Council | Book grant information session |
| 6 May | 6:30 pm – 9 pm | Grant writing training session | Knox City Council | Book grant writing training session |
| 13 May | 7 pm – 9 pm | Knox City Council grant information session | Online | Book grant information session |
| 25 May | 9 am | Applications open | NA | NA |
| 28 May | 7 am – 9 pm | Knox City Council grant information session | Knox City Council | Book grant information session |
| 9 June | NA | One‑on‑one support session | Knox City Council | Book one‑on‑one support |
| 11 June | AM | One‑on‑one support session | Knox City Council | Book one‑on‑one support |
| 11 June | PM | One‑on‑one support session | Westfield Knox Library | Book one‑on‑one support |
| 22 June | 11:59 pm | Applications close | NA | NA |
| 26 October | 7 pm | Council meeting (endorsement of Panel recommendations) | Knox City Council | NA |
| 1 November | NA | Funding starts | NA | NA |
Available grants
There are grants available in 7 categories.
1. Active Ageing – $2,501 up to $5,000
For activities, programs or projects that promote social connection, health and wellbeing, volunteer engagement for positive ageing in Knox.
2. Community Strengthening – $2,501 up to $15,000
Projects or programs that strengthen Knox community through the support of a diverse range of activities, services and programs that are responsive to community need and significantly benefit the Knox community.
3. Cultural Celebrations & Community Events – $2,501 up to $3,000
For projects, programs or events that increase awareness and understanding of diverse cultures and religions within the community and enhance social inclusion and participation for all residents of Knox.
4. Active Communities – $2,501 up to $5,000
To assist with capacity building of sport and leisure clubs to deliver programs/projects that promote club wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, gender equity, volunteer engagement and retention.
5. Arts and Events – $2,501 up to $15,000
To assist not-for-profit community organisations with the delivery of Community Festivals, Events & Creative Activities.
6. Small Equipment Grants – $2,501 up to $5,000
To assist not-for-profit organisations with small, essential equipment purchases that enhance the sustainability of the organisation.
7. Environment & Sustainability – $2,501 up to $5,000
To assist not-for-profit community organisations with projects or purchases that support the natural environment and sustainability or supports capacity building or participation numbers of an environmental group.
Eligibility
There are specific criteria for grant applications. Please refer to the community grant guidelines for this information.
Download the Community Grants Guidelines [PDF]
Apply for a grant
You must apply online using the SmartyGrants system. Do not leave your application until the last minute. Technical problems or errors in your form could stop you from submitting it. Late applications will not be accepted. If your application is incomplete or unclear, it may affect your chances of being successful.
You can submit up to 3 applications, as long as each one is for a different project or event. You need to fill out a separate form for each application.
Documents required as part of your application include:
- Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency
- Financial Income and Expenditure Report / Balance Sheet
- Annual Report
- Evidence of Current Legal Status
If your application is unsuccessful
After the October Council meeting, we will email the contact person for each unsuccessful application to let them know the outcome.
Council’s decision is final. You can ask the Community Grants team for feedback and apply again in the future.
Examples of funded projects
Past Community Development Funded projects include:
- Approved CDF Projects 2024 to 2025
- Approved CDF Projects 2023 to 2024
- Approved CDF Projects 2022 to 2023
You can also watch stories of previous funded projects.
CDF supported projects 2025–26
The recipients of the 2025–26 Community Development Fund Grants Program have been announced, with funding allocated to support a diverse range of local projects
View the CDF summary of supported projects 2025–26.
Your privacy
Under the Information Privacy Act, Council collects your information to register and manage your grant application for the funding period. We may also use your information to send you updates and to check how satisfied you are with our services. We will not share your information unless the law requires us to. We will not share it with others for marketing purposes.
Learn about other grants
Council runs information sessions for community groups to learn about different funding options. Contact the Community Grants Team for session schedules and help with finding out which grant best suits your organisation, group or club needs.
More information
You may find the following information and templates useful:
- Community Grants Guidelines [PDF]
- Grants Framework Policy (PDF)
- Grants Lingo @ Knox – guide to grants terminology
- SmartyGrants guide for applicants
Need help?
Email [email protected] and we will get back to you.
We aim respond to enquiries about Council grants within 3 business days.
Or call the Community Grants Team on 9298 8000.
